Keith Urban’s new album, Flow State, leans into the yacht-rock vibe with smooth melodies, excellent production, and feel-good energy. I’ve been loving the album— particularly, the songs: “Summer Breeze,” “We Go Back,” featuring Michael McDonald, and “Guitar Man,” featuring John Mayer.
Go ahead—put on the album, throw open the windows, arrange some fresh-cut flowers, and dance around your living room. You’ll feel lighter. You’ll feel fine!
I’ve always loved “Summer Breeze,” the iconic 1970s classic created and recorded by Seals and Crofts. The song premiered in 1972 and reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard chart.
For this piano cover of “Summer Breeze,” I cut some jasmine from the garden and donned my latest thrift store find- a beautiful summer blouse—fully embracing that summer flow state.
See the curtains hangin’ in the window
In the evening on a Friday night
A little light a-shinin’ through the window
Lets me know everything’s all right
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind
I’m posting two weekly videos on YouTube, if you’re interested, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel– click the watch on Youtube on the videos below to find me. Thanks!
If you missed it, here’s my latest installment of the Piano and Tarot project: The Empress in an Old Garden.
You know the scene in Cinderella when the Fairy Godmother waves her wand and transforms a pumpkin into an elegant coach, mice into high-stepping horses, a horse into a coachman, and Cinderella’s tattered dress into a magnificent ball gown? If only bringing our wildest dreams to life were as easy as waving a magic wand.
In reality, manifesting our dreams involves a vision, a plan, and some heavy lifting. We may have magnificent ideas, and many of us have no problem coming up with a step-by-step plan for how we might approach something. But… where we may fall short is in doing the arduous daily work, believing in ourselves, investing the time and effort, and remaining disciplined enough to carry the dream out of our imaginations and into the real world. There’s no way around it. While the journey can be every bit as thrilling as the finished product, the path sometimes feels like a never-ending grind.
Take Serena Williams, for example. The tennis GOAT said, “Everything requires discipline, hard work and dedication, and, most importantly, self-belief.” Diana Nyad attempted to swim from Cuba to Florida five times over a 35-year span before finally succeeding at the age of 64. Talk about dedication—and the courage to keep believing when the dream still seems impossibly far away!
Through the years, people have often commented that I’m lucky to have a life in music. Indeed, I’m grateful every day for this 30-plus-year career, but luck has had very little to do with sustaining it. There’s daily practice, teaching, playing gigs, traveling, crafting programs, the never-ending hustle, administrative tasks, professional development, and, more often than not, seven-day workweeks. In other words, this vision of mine—to live a life in music—and the dreams I’ve brought into reality didn’t simply take flight on their own. There has been plenty of blood, sweat, and tears involved, along with faith, resilience, and a little creative magic.
Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.
For another take on the magic of bringing our dreams into the real world, I invite you to follow along with my current project, Piano for the Journey. Each week, I pair a piece of music with one Major Arcana card from the tarot as a way of exploring the universal archetypes, challenges, and possibilities that shape our lives.
You can watch The Magician video here and explore more videos in the series by clicking on the YouTube video below. And if the project speaks to you, please help me sprinkle a little more magic by liking the video and subscribing to the channel.
Paella on the terrace with amazing RLP kitchen staff
Deborah Szekely
bougainvillea
activity pool
poolside
a sweet bench
Kathy and Laura
beautiful views everywhere!
inspiring place to journal
daily quote board
piano concert in Oak Tree Pavillion
My latest visit to Rancho La Puerta, a world-renowned health and wellness resort in Tecate, Mexico, marked my 17th year as a musical guest at the Ranch. With 40 miles of hiking trails, delicious vegetarian food, stunning gardens, meandering brick paths, swimming pools, fitness classes, and, of course, a gorgeous Steinway B piano and dreamy performance space, the Ranch is my idea of heaven on earth.
While there, I presented two singing classes and a piano concert. My day included early morning practicing from 6–8 a.m. followed by swimming, soaking, yoga, and long walks. I brought my dear friend Kathy Lee as a guest, and she delighted in attending a variety of fitness classes, morning hikes, tennis, pickleball, Pilates, and lectures on diet and brain health.
One of the highlights of my week, in addition to seeing old friends from past visits, was a dinner for the presenters hosted by the Ranch’s co-founder, Deborah Szekely, who will turn 104 in May. During the dinner, she offered sage advice on living a long and healthy life: stay curious, follow the Ranch diet, and remain positive. Her mind is sharp, her stories engaging, and she continues inspiring others toward leading healthy, vibrant, and impactful lives. At the dinner she asked me to lead the group in a song, I chose a simple old camp tune that seems perfect for the tranquil Ranch atmosphere: “I’ve Got Peace like a River.”
Stay curious! Consider learning to play the piano- a wonderful way to engage your brain while adding artistic beauty and joy to your daily life. Play Piano Today with Laura Dean
How Did It End by Taylor Swift, played by Laura Dean
In a recent episode of And Just Like That (Season 3, Episode 9), Carrie Bradshaw—wearing a knockout “I just threw this on” kind of outfit—sat at a café table facing her longtime paramour, Aidan. And just like that….. their romance came to an end—in a swift heartbreaking scene.
After a short conversation about their insurmountable obstacles, Carrie and Aidan come to the conclusion: it’s over! After a goodbye embrace, Carrie turns on her heel and struts down the sidewalk (in her sky-high pumps, of course), away from Aidan, and into the next chapter of her life. Cue the Taylor Swift deep-cut slow burn, “How Did It End,” from her album, The Tortured Poets Department.
I’m a huge fan of And Just Like That, the sequel to Sex and the City. Decades removed from the original debut, the SATC characters—now in middle age, still in their fantasy footwear and otherworldly wardrobes—navigate real-life situations many of us “of a certain age” can relate to: aging bodies, adult children, career challenges, complicated relationships, and above all, the enduring power of friendship.
Haunted with the scene and the song, the next day, I watched the scene again and located the sheet music to “How Did It End” on Musicnotes.com. One of my favorite things about being a musician is the ability to get my hands on the sheet music and play something that resonates on a personal level. In this case, the inspiration was the perfect storm: a relatable story, a beautifully crafted scene, and an emotional song.
Taylor Swift’s lyrics for the first verse and chorus of “How Did It End”:
Come one, come all It’s happenin’ again The empathetic hunger descends We’ll tell no one Except all of our friends We must know How did it end?
We hereby conduct this post-mortem He was a hothouse flower to my outdoorsman Our maladies were such we could not cure them And so a touch that was my birthright became foreign
If you’d like to explore the possibility of playing music that moves you—just like I did with “How Did It End”—consider signing up for my beginning piano course here.
Bird of Paradise outside the administration building at Rancho La Puerta
Cardio funk classes with Milo Levell, nutritional talks with Sohailla Digsby RD, wellness talks by medical adventurerDr. Brandee Waite, a mountain hike with friend and life coach, Emily Boorstein, time with my daughter, Ruby, swimming, visiting with old friends, and forging new friendships were some of the many highlights of my recent 2025 Rancho La Puerta trip. Rancho la Puerta, on the outskirts of Tecate, Mexico, is an expansive wellness resort that includes 4000 acres of hiking trails, gardens, gyms, yoga and dance studios, spas, swimming pools, a cooking school, an organic garden, and more. I first visited the Ranch in 2009 as a musical guest presenting a piano concert and singing classes, and have returned in the same capacity over a dozen times through the years. In fact, it is where I met my better half, Joe, who was a fitness instructor at the Ranch for some 30 years (that’s another story for another time).
Siempre Mejor, which translates to Always Better, is the motto of the Ranch. Indeed! Each visit provides opportunities for personal renewal and growth. At the end of the week, I ALWAYS leave with a feeling of gratitude and resolve that I am on the right path. My path includes the magic bullet of diet and exercise, self care, friendships, continuing education, travel, and meaningful work: teaching, studying, and performing music. As always, it’s good to return home, and as I look forward to a busy month ahead, which I refer to as “March Musical Madness.” In the next few weeks, I’ll work my own students in my studio as well as take to the road for work with a variety of students and teachers in the Western Washington region. As I step into March, I’m filled with energy, and a sense of calmness, ready to tackle what lies ahead. Siempre Mejor!
The Piano Concert in the Oak TreeLaura and Rubyveggie entreThe activity pool for lap swimmingOn the edge of the RanchHiking with Pal, Emily
The Fisk Jubilee singers were a group of talented and courageous students from Fisk University of Tennessee, who first toured their musical show across the United States in 1871 while raising money for Fisk University which, at the time, was severely underfunded. I recently saw the world premier of Jubilee presented by the Seattle Opera at the beautiful McCaw Hall. Jubilee was created and directed by Tazewell Thompson with vocal arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell, and orchestration by Michael Ellis Ingram.
In some 40 spirituals (and one classic aria), the opera tells the story of the often difficult journey of the original Jubilee singers and also highlights their personal victories and struggles. The Seattle Opera program reminds us, “These traditional songs, created, refined, and shared anonymously by enslaved Americans, are the foundation on which all American music has been built.”
The Fisk Jubilee Singers from 1882 photo wiki-media
In particular, I enjoyed the humorous scene and performance of “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,” the uplifting “There’s a Meetin’ Here Tonight,” and the emotional “Wade in the Water.” If you aren’t able to make it to the Seattle Opera for the production, you can listen to 10 selected pieces on Soundcloud. For a modern recording of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Celebrating Fisk (The 150th Anniversary Album) is available on Spotify.
Okanogan County in North Central Washington state, is the largest county in the state and reaches north to the Canadian border. The county seat is Okanogan, while the biggest town is Omak. On a recent musical adventure, I visited the town of Tonasket as a visiting artist for the Washington State Music Association (WSMTA).
Laura, Evelyn Sheller and Roz NauLaura, Lois Rhoads, and Lydia ThompsonLaura, Lois Roads, and Violet Thompson
After a short flight from Seattle to Wenatchee, I drove for 2.5 hours on US-97N to Tonasket. Along the way, I enjoyed the scenery and stopped for a snack at SweetRiver Bakery, a cute bakery and coffee shop in the town of Pateros. Upon arrival in Tonasket, I met the trio of teachers of the Okanogan Chapter of WSMTA (Roz Nau, Lois Rhoads, and Joan Smith), listened to some fine pianists in a recital competition, enjoyed a pot luck, and gave a musical presentation on my book, Music in the Westward Expansion.
The next day, I listened to, wrote comments for, and worked at the piano with twenty-three students who each played two prepared pieces. (We had a delicious lunch at Joyful Thai in Tonasket.) I enjoyed meeting the engaging teachers, spending time in the beautiful piano studio of Roz Nau, and working with the students. By the way, Evelyn Sheller won the recital competition and will be performing at the WSTMA conference at Gonzaga University in June. Lydia Thompson it the alternate, and Violet Thompson received an honorable mention.
Laura and Susan Graves
As a bonus, I met Joe’s cousin (Joe is my better half), Susan Graves. The delightful Susan lives near Omak, and she was already acquainted with the music teachers in the area. I had heard a great deal about her prior to our meeting, including her legendary sewing and design skills that she puts to use for local productions. Susan joined us for the student recital, potluck, and the Westward Expansion program.
Okanogan County not only has a vibrant piano scene with the three dynamic teachers and motivated students, but there is also an orchestra and chorus. Community arts organizations also host several visiting arts groups and soloists throughout the year.
This was my first time to the Okanogan Valley. Beautiful features of the area include the Columbia River, snow capped mountains, and apple orchards dotting the landscape.I stayed at the newly remodeled and very comfortable Omak Peppertree Inn. The trip is a reminder of just how big and beautiful the state of Washington is and also how dedicated professionals enliven the community with their talent, energy, and engaging arts education offerings. For more about arts in the Okanogan area, visit:
Faithfully, the classic Journey song was written by Jonathan Cain, played here by Laura Dean.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I’ve been nostalgic for the 80’s ever since I watched The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix a couple of weeks ago. The documentary, narrated by the never-aging and engaging, Lionel Richie, recounts the making of the 1985 mega hit, “We are the World.” If you are of a certain age, you remember the song and the video which featured iconic 80’s superstars including Quincy Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Steve Perry, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Huey Lewis, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Daryl Hall, and the list goes on and on. I highly recommend this movie for a feel good trip down memory lane!
If you’re interested in learning to play the piano so that you can play some of your favorite songs of the past,Play Piano Today: A Beginning Piano Course, created by yours truly, is a great place to start. This is an online, on-demand course which includes a PDF book, and 20 instructional videos. Now through the end of February, use the code: Love at checkout to save 25% off the course. Purchase the course yourself, or gift it to a loved one.
May your day be filled with love, joy, and sweet moments.
Is it time to add some music lessons into your life? Have you wanted to take piano lessons, but you’ve been putting it off until the time is right? Well- the time is right! Playing the piano improves your cognitive function, adds joy and solace to your life, and improves your mental health. What are you waiting for?
The video below is from Unit 2: The Landscape of the Piano Keyboard/Black Keys. At the end of this post, you’ll find a PDF of the corresponding lesson page from the Play Piano Today PDF book. If you have a piano or keyboard available to you – give the lesson a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Through the end of January, save $55 off the total price of the course by applying this code at checkout: Happy-Birthday!
The Landscape of the Piano Keyboard, Black Keys from Play Piano Today: An Introductory Piano Course with Laura Dean
I’m coming up on a birthday next week, and I’m celebrating by offering you $55 off the course through the end of January! (You guessed it- I’m turning 55). Use the code: Happy-Birthday! at checkout for the $55 discount. It just so happens that one of the lessons in Unit 10 is all about how to play “Happy Birthday!” I’ve included the video below.
Happy Birthday Lesson from Unit 10 of Play Piano Today!
If you’re interested in the course but not completely sure, perhaps this list of FAQ will help you decide:
Is this only for beginners? This is for beginners and for anyone returning to the piano who would like a review of the basics. What ages is this for? This course is designed for adults but would also work older self-motivated kids ages 10 and up. What if I’m dissatisfied with the course? Students purchasing my content on Teachable are entitled a refund within 14 days from the date of purchase if they are not completely satisfied. How long will this take me to complete? That depends on your learning style and how many days a week you can devote to working on the course and practicing. I recommend practicing 5 days per week for 20-30 mins. The course, on average may take 4-6 weeks to complete – it may take less time, and it may take more time. How long with the course be available for streaming? The course will be available for one year past your original purchase date. When can I start? After you enroll, the course will be available to you immediately. Will I need a piano? You will need an acoustic piano, a digital piano, or some type of electronic keyboard for practicing. Will there be a follow-up course? I am currently working on Play Piano Part 2, release date TBD.
